$54.99

For consideration is this stunning two color transferware plate by Copeland Spode in a very rare and difficult to find pattern entitled Beverley. Equally, probably more rare is the 2 color transfer design...a rust floral and scrolled border and black Italian landscape depicting goats, a young couple in the center. In the background, in the far off distance, is Mt Vesuvius.

Mt. Vesuvius is an Italian volcano in the Gulf of Naples that erupted on August 24 A.D. 79 blanketing the towns and thousands of residents of Pompeii, Stabiae, and Herculaneum. Pompeii was buried 10' deep, while Herculaneum was buried under 75' of ash. This volcanic eruption is the first to be described in detail. The letter-writing Pliny the Younger was stationed about 18 mi. away in Misenum from which vantage point he could see the eruption and feel the preceding earthquakes. His uncle, the naturalist Pliny the Elder, was in charge of area warships, but he turned his fleet to rescuing residents and died.

Historical Importance:

In addition to Pliny's recording the sights and sounds of the first volcano to be described in detail, the volcanic covering of Pompeii and Herculaneum provided an amazing opportunity for future historians: The ash preserved and protected a vibrant city against the elements until future archaeologists unearthed this snapshot in time.

Mt. Vesuvius last erupted in 1944

It measures appx.10.5" and is in wonderful condition, having no chips or cracks, just some age appropriate crazing.